Ways to Volunteer with Kids

While volunteering is important all year-round, it seems like when wintertime is near, people begin to think more about giving back. If this is something you’d like to do with your children, starting now is just as good as any other time, and with all the wonderful deeds to be done, volunteering can continue all year long and for a lifetime of giving to come.

If you are not sure what may be appropriate volunteering opportunities to take on with young kids, here are some ideas to get the ball rolling. See which volunteering activities spark interest for your child so they are eager to continue to give their time and services with their heart and soul behind every selfless moment.

Pet Shelter

There are so many pet shelters across the country that need our help. Kids can assist with cleaning cages and floors, feeding, grooming, and companionship depending on the child’s age. Kids love pets, so this is the perfect way to combine their own interests with the needs of these special animals. They will learn about caregiving and tenderness as well as responsibility for the life of another creature. If you find that your child is able to care for a pet with maturity, perhaps you’ll consider adopting one eventually. It’s a win-win for the pets and your kids alike!

Nursing Home

Many nursing homes seek youngsters to spend time with the elderly, be it performing music, spending time talking, creating arts and crafts, or helping with various needs throughout the facility. Lots of folks in these homes look forward to the vibrant energy and fresh faces of the kids, and the children benefit from lessons given by an older generation as well as the values of responsibility and caring for others. Perhaps your child doesn’t have living grandparents or ones who live close by, so this is a positive way for kids to spend time with a grandparent-like figure who can teach life lessons and share stories of decades ago. Maybe this type of volunteering will ignite a desire in your child to work in the health care or nursing field in the future.

Food Collection

So many food banks and pantries need more goods. Every bit counts, so whatever your child can do to help provide nourishment to those in need is welcome. Consider holding a food drive with your kids in the local community. Ask friends and neighbors to purchase an extra can of food while grocery shopping to add to the donation. You can even see if your child’s school would be interested in starting a food donation program so you can make an even greater impact. This will teach kids about the importance of helping others in need and to better understand the value of food and finances. They will learn to be less wasteful and more sympathetic to those around them.

Do you volunteer with your kids? If so, which types of volunteering opportunities do you think are best for kids? For more information like this, please visit All My Children Blogs.

By: Melissa A. Kay